Epic of Beowulf Essay - Shields in the Epic Poem, Beowulf

Epic of Beowulf Essay - Shields in the Epic Poem, Beowulf

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Shields in the poem Beowulf

Shields, a defensive weapon mentioned in the poem Beowulf, include a variety of compositions from wood to iron; and this is wholly in accord with archaeological finds. There are a considerable number of references to shields in the poem, making this topic a very relevant one to consider.

“Weapons could be heirlooms, and royal treasuries and armories still preserve arms and weapons from earlier days, so imagination in this area need not be confined to contemporary artifacts (304),” says Catherine M. Hills in “Beowulf and Archaeology.” Before turning to the archaeological evidence, let’s look at the Beowulf poem, where one finds copious references to shields. As Beowulf and his party approach the Danish land:

From high on a wall the Scylding watchman

whose duty it was to guard the sea-cliffs

saw glinting shield-bosses passed hand to hand

down the gangplank, an army’s war-gear (229-32)

The Scylding watchman is still talking:

Never more openly have warriors landed

when carrying shields, and you have no leave

from our men of battle, agreement with kinsmen (244-6)

Beowulf explains to the ship-guard:

We come with good heart to the land of the Danes,

to seek out your lord, the son of Healfdene,

shield of the people (267-9)

By the time the Geats arrived at Heorot, they were tired and had to sit down:

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